Gateway

The Gateway Programme

The purpose of Gateway is to enable schools to provide
senior students (years 11–13+) with opportunities to access structured
workplace learning that has:

A formalized learning arrangement set in the workplace

Specified knowledge and skills that a student will attain

Specified assessment methods (workplace learning)

What is
Gateway

The Gateway programme is designed to strengthen the pathway
for students from school, to employment or further education and training. It
provides an opportunity for students to engage in structured workplace learning
in an area or industry they have identified as a career option. Students are able to sample their career
interest and gain real learning and real experiences in a real work situation
while completing Industry Standards. It also allows them to talk to people in
the industry and so be able to make an informed decision regarding their
future. As well, it gives them the confidence to transition from school to the
workforce.

How does it work?

There
are different ways a student can participate in the Gateway Programme. The
scheme at WGC is designed to be flexible and to meet the needs of the student,
school and employer as much as possible.

Scenario
1: Students
spend 1 day each week in a workplace/industry of their choice for approximately
7 hours/week for 10-20 weeks. A student’s timetable will dictate which day is
most suitable as their workday

Year 12 students take 5 conventional
subjects plus Gateway as a subject

Year 13 students take 4 conventional
subjects plus Gateway as a subject

Scenario 2: Students
work outside school hours either after school and/or during holiday periods.
This would suit students who cannot or do not want to be out of school but want
an insight into a specfic career/industry area

Wellington Girls’ College has been participating in the Gateway
programme since 2007 and it has been very successful for both students and
employers. Effective communication between school and the workplace together
with well prepared and supported students has resulted in long- standing well
respected and mutually beneficial relationships. Many past students have
secured part time and full time employment within their Gateway placement or in
other businesses within that industry.